Not fair, I suppose, to copy the final paragraph of an excellent reflection by Dr Anthony Esolen thereby shortchanging readers of the best of the mess; please read it all – here. I am reading about the beloved Saint Seraphim of Sarov, who observed a ten year period of silence, and who retreated to the forest to live a life of prayer and fasting. Out of his mind, the knowing secularist would say. Yet when Saint Seraphim, in his old... Read more

By Ann Rodgers, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette The most famous Orthodox Christian in Pittsburgh, if not the nation, has a greeting for his fellow believers today: “Kala Christougena!” said Steelers safety Troy Polamalu. That’s Greek for “Merry Christmas!” Mr. Polamalu and his wife, Theodora, actually celebrated Christmas 13 days ago, but they keep the same Orthodox traditions as those who observe today. Most Orthodox celebrate on Dec. 25, but many Slavic churches tie liturgy to the old Julian calendar, which is 13... Read more

This is a repeat — an annual posting. How is it that my Creator comes to me?I’m not worthy.To quench is my fate.THIRSTAll can relate.Before Eden thou wast; even before the flood.I parted for Thy people at the behest of Moses, Thy chosen one.I’ve whetted e’ery path man’s trod; every field he’s plo’d.At Thy command I came to be; my rest shall be in Thee.Tell me Lord, what brings Thee to me? I’m not worthy,I must confess.Me? I cleanse from... Read more

What you can’t see, in this snap from my cell phone, is the other Snowman, the one with the stick gun at close range. Note to parents: All those coffee table Calvin & Hobbes books you’ve got? Hide them from young boys. “Frosty the Snow Murderer” by Basil in North Carolina. Read more

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With the New Year 2011, here’s a look back at some stranger moments of 2010 on … The Orthodixie Podcast. I don’t sing too much, though you could rightly say my singing is too much! It all began when I went bar hopping with Jesus … The Orthodixie Podcast on Ancient Faith Radio. Read more

“Her womb did appear as a spiritual paradise wherein is planted the divine plant whereof eating we shall live and not die as Adam.” This hymn honors the Feast, our struggle, our Mother, and our God. Fashioned from the side of the man, Adam, the mother of all the living, Eve, bore the fruit of death to all mankind. Fashioned within the womb of the woman — the New Eve — Mary bears the Fruit of Life to the same.... Read more

Yes, that’s me … the one with the chapeau. A long, long time ago in a North Carolina far, far away. I guess it was meant to be, Texas and all. Anyway … Thanks to all who sent in their funniest Christmas stories. We have a winner three winners! The most amazing part is when a two year old — TWO YEAR OLD — Erin Learned recites A Visit From St Nicholas — aka ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. The... Read more

O Come, All Ye Faithful — the Byzantine remix version. Gotta hear it … Here. Read more

Send me your funniest Christmas Story! Top prize: $4.0,00 dollars **According to my Nigerian pen pal! Seriously, you could win: THIS Entries must be received by Noon, Wednesday – December 22nd. Those wishing to remain anonymous should so indicate. Send your funniest Christmas Story to: orthodixie at aol dot com “Winners” will be sent a free download code for the audio book, We Came, We Saw, We Converted – The Lighter Side of Orthodoxy in America via return email on... Read more